Florida Education DefendersSupporting the Rights of Florida Students

The Florida Education Defenders are a group of organizations working together to fight book censorship in Florida schools.

The Problem

HB 989, signed into law by Governor Rick Scott on June 26, 2017, allows any resident of a Florida county to “challenge the use or adoption of instructional materials” used in public schools and requires that each school district appoint a private hearing officer to oversee the review of challenged books.

How does HB 989 threaten free speech in schools?

While it is not yet clear how the bill will be implemented, it is likely to encourage an increase in challenges to instructional materials and give more power to special interest groups that want to shape the curriculum to fit a specific political or ideological agenda.

How can Florida Education Defenders help?

Florida Education Defenders offer guidance, support and resources for those who support the rights of Florida students to read, learn and express themselves freely.